Finding a trustworthy tradesman

No-one likes having to call out a tradesman to fix a problem in the home. For a start it costs money. Secondly, it exposes your own DIY failings. Thirdly, it's inconvenient.

However, the biggest worry - whether you're looking for builders in Dundee , electricians in Brighton or plumbers in Bridgend - could be ensuring you will receive a competent, genuine and value-for-money service?

What steps can you take to ensure you don't inadvertently employ a so-called cowboy? Fortunately, there are two routes you can explore.

The first is to ask your friends, family and neighbours if they could recommend (or warn you against) anyone in particular. Word of mouth is one of the greatest business-generating or crushing tools. That's perhaps why so many people also feel compelled to share their experiences on a tradesman reference website, which is safe route number two.

These sites are particularly useful, as they provide users with the ability to read testimonials from past customers, compare scores and even obtain actual quotes in writing. They make it easy to search for a specialist in your local area, which is great if you have just moved to a new house and wouldn't otherwise know where to turn.

Generally speaking, the advice from those in the industry is never to accept an offer for work from someone who has cold-called, get a quote in writing before the job commences and never leave the tradesman to carry out the work alone. The latter means you can check they are working and not just making banging noises.

It's worth remembering that for all the stories we read in the newspapers or watch on scaremonger television shows, 99 per cent of tradesmen are reputable, trained and pride themselves on offering a first-class service - so don't be put off. Just put in a little research.